Here's some cool stats shared by the Cleveland Browns PR department today. They tell several stories: 1) how long the Browns have been a bad team; 2) how talented these rookies are compared to the Browns all-time roster/records which date back 64 years; 3) how much the game has changed over the years.....

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Brandon Weeden's 3,037 passing yards are the most for a rookie in Browns history -- with three weeks left to play. Weeden joins Derek Anderson (3,787 yards in 2007) and Tim Couch (3,040 yards in 2001) as the only Browns QBs to throw for more than 3,000 yards in a season since 1999. Weeden has also won more games in his first season than any other Browns rookie QB.

 

Browns 30 unanswered points were the most since Dec. 1, 1991 when the Browns beat the Indianapolis Colts 31-0.

 

Browns won today while the Bengals, Ravens and Steelers all lost. That hasn't happened since Week 15 of 2007. That's when the Browns defeated Buffalo 8-0 in Cleveland in the "Blizzard Bowl." Remember?

 

With 33 quarterback sacks so far this year, the Browns defense has surpassed last year’s seasonal total of 32.

 

WR Josh Gordon's 732 receiving yards so far this season are the 4th-most by a rookie in Browns history, with three more games to play.

 

WR Travis Benjamin's 93-yard TD return was longest punt return in team history. Benjamin was also the first Browns rookie to return a punt for a TD since Ben Davis in 1967.

 

RB Trent Richardson (9 rushing TD, 1 receiving TD) has tied Eric Metcalf (6 rush TD, 4 rec. TD) & Jim Brown (9 rush TD, 1 rec. TD) for the most TDs ever by a Browns rookie -- and three more games to go.

 

How's that?

The Browns are 5-3 with Joe Haden this year and 0-5 without him.  Of the 3 losses he did play in, one was the 17-16 loss to the Eagles and another was the 17-13 loss to the Colts.... both of which should have been W's.  He's a serious difference maker.

 

Both of our lines are really dominating at the point of attack.  This might be the best Browns O-line I have ever seen.  Greco has added a roadgrading element which turned this line from an exceptional pass blocking unit to a true duel threat.  The D-line has a nasty element to it.  Not dirty (like the Lions), but nasty.  Great depth too.

 

All of a sudden, I don't mind Greg Little dancing so much.  If he keeps playing like he is, I might even forgive another Bolt pose.  It's the fungus on the shower shoes rule Crash tried to teach Nuke in the movie Bull Durham.

 

I still think Trent is only about 85% after his 2 knee surgies.  He has his strength back, but not all of his explosion and cutting ability. 

Agreed on all points. Imagine what a second quality corner and a D'Qwell clone at LB would do for this team.

 

 

I still think Trent is only about 85% after his 2 knee surgies.  He has his strength back, but not all of his explosion and cutting ability. 

 

I miss the T-Rich from the first Cincinnati game. I literally held my breath each time he got into some space.

 

Was checking out some highlights on YouTube. Found this nicely done collection of highlights from the Pittsburgh game, which was the start of this winning streak....

 

Cleveland Browns Week 12 Highlight Video vs. Steelers | HD

I am super pumped for this weeks game against Washington.  I know its unrealistic, but we are listed as "in the hunt"...making this week a de facto playoff game.  I will be down there and itll be rowdy. 

 

Whats crazy, is that this should actually be a 4 game winning streak, perhaps even a 6 game. Dallas was definitely in teh W column.  SOme can argue that dumb mistakes let the Baltimore game get away late.  Regardless, its fun to have the team back and I will be down there full force on Sunday.

Browns promoted Brad Smelley off the practice squad. Looks like we have a Fullback again.

Opening line vs. Washington is Browns -6.5.  Wow, one of the hottest teams in football right now.  It's just exciting to be talking playoffs at this point in the season, however faint the chances.

Browns promoted Brad Smelley off the practice squad. Looks like we have a Fullback again.

 

'Bout time! I'm sure Trent will be happy having his Tide buddy on the field with him again.

So what any guesses what is in O. Marecic's dim future?  When is his contract up?  I read the SI old article that called him the perfect football player.  I was pumped after reading the article... all this time later, it's a real shame the way things have gone.

So what any guesses what is in O. Marecic's dim future?  When is his contract up?  I read the SI old article that called him the perfect football player.  I was pumped after reading the article... all this time later, it's a real shame the way things have gone.

 

They dropped Vickers for this guy. Vickers was the key to the success of Jerome Harrison and Peyton Hillis. But they said they wanted a guy who could catch so they signed Marecic and dropped vickers. Unfortunately Marecic couldn't block. Even worse he dropped every single pass thrown at him (ironically Vickers caught a crucial pass against us to help Dallas win the game).

 

But it to a point where the Browns finally at to bench Marecic. This whole mess is probably one of Heckert's worse. I bet Trent Richardson would love to have Vickers as a lead blocker right now.

 

I bet Marecic will be out of the league shortly.

Shurmur's offense doesn't use a FB all that often and, when it does, the FB must be a legit receiving threat out of the backfield.  As much as I loved Vickers, he didn't fit.  Him being in the game would've tipped the other team off that we were running right at them.  Obviously, neither does Marecic but I think Heckert is as surprised as anyone about that.  The one thing I've always heard about Marecic is that he is much smaller in person than you think he might be.

Well long term I hope we dont continue to use Shurmur's offense :)

Whats that you say?  THere is actually a game of another team that is important for the Browns?  That hasnt happened in a really long time.  Those smelly Bengals play tonight.  A loss to Philadelphia and things to start to get a little more interesting.

No comments on the Browns new show on the Travel Channel? It was better than what I expected.

No comments on the Browns new show on the Travel Channel? It was better than what I expected.

 

Totally forgot about it.

No RGIII tomorrow, Browns face Kirk Cousins.  I'm pretty bummed.  I wanted the chance to go to the stadium to see and beat one of the best young talents in the NFL.  Would be nice to win another one going away like last week.  28-13 anyone?

Whats that you say?  THere is actually a game of another team that is important for the Browns?  That hasnt happened in a really long time.  Those smelly Bengals play tonight.  A loss to Philadelphia and things to start to get a little more interesting.

 

Cleveland hasn't had a winning record since 2007.  That team was knocked out the playoffs in week 16 by the Bengals who finished 7-9.  I wouldn't be talking down to Cincinnati if I was a Cleveland fan.

Whats that you say?  THere is actually a game of another team that is important for the Browns?  That hasnt happened in a really long time.  Those smelly Bengals play tonight.  A loss to Philadelphia and things to start to get a little more interesting.

 

Cleveland hasn't had a winning record since 2007.  That team was knocked out the playoffs in week 16 by the Bengals who finished 7-9.  I wouldn't be talking down to Cincinnati if I was a Cleveland fan.

 

Somebody has his grumpy pants on this morning.  Relax, cochise.  It's football.  Sensativity is frowned upon.

We are allowed to rip on any time, anywhere. Doesn't mean anyone has to take us seriously or even listen. And that's the fun part of sports.

 

Sensativity is frowned upon.

 

So are misspellings. :D

Whats that you say?  THere is actually a game of another team that is important for the Browns?  That hasnt happened in a really long time.  Those smelly Bengals play tonight.  A loss to Philadelphia and things to start to get a little more interesting.

 

Cleveland hasn't had a winning record since 2007.  That team was knocked out the playoffs in week 16 by the Bengals who finished 7-9.  I wouldn't be talking down to Cincinnati if I was a Cleveland fan.

 

Somebody has his grumpy pants on this morning.  Relax, cochise.  It's football.  Sensativity is frowned upon.

 

Nobody's grumpy, don't be silly.  By the way, to a Cincinnatian, there's nothing more "sensative" than a Clevelander.  :-P

We are allowed to rip on any time, anywhere. Doesn't mean anyone has to take us seriously or even listen. And that's the fun part of sports.

 

Then go ahead and unlock the AFC North thread :)

 

Sensativity is frowned upon.

 

So are misspellings. :D

 

You've been waiting for this moment.  Enjoy

Nobody's grumpy, don't be silly.  By the way, to a Cincinnatian, there's nothing more "sensative" than a Clevelander.  :-P

 

Not at all. You're assuming we concern ourselves with the feelings and perceptions of Kentuckians.

Then go ahead and unlock the AFC North thread :)

 

I think we just did!

 

 

You've been waiting for this moment.  Enjoy

 

RGIII is not gonna start.  Actually, I'm a bit disappointed.  I wanted to see how our defense did against him.  I'll bet the Skins new this much earlier in the week but withheld their decision so that the Browns still had to prepare heavily for the read option.

A friend of mine and his girlfriend are in town for the weekend and are going to the game today. I was amazed at how many Redskin fans were at his hotel (Doubletree on Lakewide) last night. He said he had to park at the top of the hotel's parking deck because it was so full, so I presume the hotel was full. While I waited for him and his girlfriend to come down to the lobby, there were lots of Redskin fans and others from out of town asking for directions, taxis etc.

I'm predicting a loss. It will be a close game but a loss.  The Browns do not know how to close out and "finish" a team.

 

Cleveland.bomb is already discussing next season.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/12/cleveland_browns_and_washingto.html#incart_river

 

The dude from Lancaster has some straight up yellow!  Damn.  Ewwwwwwwww

 

Welp Shurmur is gone, so is Heckert more than likely.  This game sealed both their fates.  Cousins looked solid while Weeden really hasn't progressed all year. He hasn't shown me enough to suggest he is the answer.

In addition to Weeden not being the answer, neither are those receivers outside of Gordon.  Benjamin has talent and should have been playing more from the start, so we'll see on him.  It's time to move on from inconsistent players and get a culture of performance going in that organization.  That means Greg Little and Massaquoi should go. 

 

The Browns lack talent at skill positions on both sides of the ball.  The running game isn't so good that it can be as one-dimensional as it is.  Joe Haden had a bad game, and if he doesn't play well, the defense has no shot against most teams.  As good as the front four can play at times, a leaky secondary can negate achievement upfront.  Cleveland's secondary is a tick better than Detroit's, another defense whose talent on the D-line is being wasted because no matter how fast they get to the QB, somebody will be open.

Weeden was a wasted pick, been saying that since April.  But now what do we do?

I still would like to give McCoy another shot. Last year he had no offseason, the worst offensive line, no receivers, and a terrible running game. I went to practices this year and I thought Weeden didnt look so good while McCoy was making great passes. There was no true competition as we all know. It was Weeden's spot the second he got drafted.

I'll judge Weeden after his third year. Outside of a few genetic freaks, it takes most QBs in a good system several years to hit their stride. I see a lot of good things in Weeden and some rookie mistakes. I hope he spends the off-season working on the finer things in quarterbacking -- footwork, eye contact, coverage recognition, audibles, etc. He has all the physical tools to succeed, but has been playing quarterback for only three years in the last decade.

 

I do think this game may have sealed Shurmur's fate, but there's still two games to go. If the Browns play well in these last two games and don't get beat by the opponent's superior game plans, adjustments to them and execution of those adjustments (like they were today), then Shurmur may have a shot.

 

The Redskins were getting their butts kicked by our defense in the first quarter, only to adjust by going to bootleg passes, and they started kicking our butts. We couldn't adjust to it, so they kept running bootleg plays and we were powerless to stop it. I think I know what offensive plays the Broncos will feature next week! I couldn't watch it.

 

I don't have a problem with the Browns trying to pass more, since the Redskins had the 31st-ranked pass defense. But the fact they didn't use Richardson at all meant the 'Skins could ignore him and key on the pass. I'm still not sure why Shurmur kept running those underneath crossing routes that resulted in Weeden's passes over the defensive front getting knocked down (or intercepted). Shurmur seemed intent on trying to force that square peg into the round hole.

 

So the Redskins were able to adjust and the Browns were not. That was probably the most revealing game why  Shurmur won't be with the Browns next year.

I'll judge Weeden after his third year. Outside of a few genetic freaks, it takes most QBs in a good system several years to hit their stride. I see a lot of good things in Weeden and some rookie mistakes. I hope he spends the off-season working on the finer things in quarterbacking -- footwork, eye contact, coverage recognition, audibles, etc. He has all the physical tools to succeed, but has been playing quarterback for only three years in the last decade.

 

I do think this game may have sealed Shurmur's fate, but there's still two games to go. If the Browns play well in these last two games and don't get beat by the opponent's superior game plans, adjustments to them and execution of those adjustments (like they were today), then Shurmur may have a shot.

 

The Redskins were getting their butts kicked by our defense in the first quarter, only to adjust by going to bootleg passes, and they started kicking our butts. We couldn't adjust to it, so they kept running bootleg plays and we were powerless to stop it. I think I know what offensive plays the Broncos will feature next week! I couldn't watch it.

 

I don't have a problem with the Browns trying to pass more, since the Redskins had the 31st-ranked pass defense. But the fact they didn't use Richardson at all meant the 'Skins could ignore him and key on the pass. I'm still not sure why Shurmur kept running those underneath crossing routes that resulted in Weeden's passes over the defensive front getting knocked down (or intercepted). Shurmur seemed intent on trying to force that square peg into the round hole.

 

So the Redskins were able to adjust and the Browns were not. That was probably the most revealing game why  Shurmur won't be with the Browns next year.

Weeden will be lucky if he gets two years to show himself because the new FO have no ties too him, and he was fairly cheap for a 1st round QB, $9M over four years I believe.

 

I think Weeden has made Childress/Shurmur's Offense look worst than it is, missing wide-open WR's, or just not throwing to the right guy at all.  Reasoning behind that is McCoy put up better overall numbers with half the talent last year, and that was after no TC and Shurmur in his 1st year with no OC.

 

At a minimum, we better hope for a real QB competition in camp.  No more handing out jobs on draft day like the new/old Browns under Lerner.

What you saw yesterday was an experienced coach with a great game plan that was well executed against an inexperienced coach with a bad game plan that wasn't well executed.

 

This is a game of momentum.  When our defense comes out foaming at the mouth and knocking the other team around like they did in the first quarter, the offense can't supply the sedative.  It looked like we were heading for a blowout, until the offense started laying terds with both bad play calling and bad execution.

 

No, it's not that we need Colt in there.  We've seen what Colt can do and can't do.  Criticize Weeden all you want, and he surely had a bad game, but he still is the best QB we've had since returning to the league.

 

Whoever suggested above gettting rid of Little hasn't been watching lately.  The kid is really starting to play.  He hasn't had a drop since the begginning of the season, has started to pile up the YAC yards, and is an exceptional blocker.

 

See ya Pat.  Barely knew ya

^ One additional note, I believe that the Redskins were also getting more fired up as the game went on see the shellacking that the Giants were taking in Atlanta. 

 

Whoever suggested above gettting rid of Little hasn't been watching lately.  The kid is really starting to play.  He hasn't had a drop since the begginning of the season, has started to pile up the YAC yards, and is an exceptional blocker.

 

 

Do you want to bet the future of the offense on Greg Little's unsure hands? 

 

I'd either draft a WR in the first round and be done with it, or go out and get a tight end who can be your #2 behind Gordon until your 2nd or 3rd round receiver develops into the second option.

 

The Browns have to be willing to be more impatient with underachieving players.  Keeping them around is perpetual rebuilding because coaches have to rebuild those players' confidence far too often.

 

 

 

No, it's not that we need Colt in there.  We've seen what Colt can do and can't do.  Criticize Weeden all you want, and he surely had a bad game, but he still is the best QB we've had since returning to the league.

 

 

For the most part Colt had better stats than Weeden and that again was with no offseason, terrible line, no receivers, and no running game.

 

 

Weeden probably gets another year, but if it was up to me, all he'd get was a chance at the QB position, not a promise. He should never have been on the roster. Wasted pick? It's a sunk cost. Either change the offensive system to suit him or get rid of him. New coach, new OC - fine, position is up for grabs.

 

I think Greg Little is fine for now. He gets to play out his contract. I would not spend a high pick on WR. I'd spend it on G (depending on Pinkston recovering), CB, or LB.

 

I'd not keep Shurmur. He got better, but not better enough. Even if we win the last two, I don't know. It's hard to see the upside.

 

No, it's not that we need Colt in there.  We've seen what Colt can do and can't do.  Criticize Weeden all you want, and he surely had a bad game, but he still is the best QB we've had since returning to the league.

 

 

For the most part Colt had better stats than Weeden and that again was with no offseason, terrible line, no receivers, and no running game.

 

 

True, and just imagine how bad Weeden would've looked last year, waiting for Robiskie & MoMass to "break open" or Jordan Norwood (instead of Benjamin) beating someone deep, all the while with whoever Pashos was supposed to block at his feet.

Do you want to bet the future of the offense on Greg Little's unsure hands? 

 

I'd either draft a WR in the first round and be done with it, or go out and get a tight end who can be your #2 behind Gordon until your 2nd or 3rd round receiver develops into the second option.

 

The Browns have to be willing to be more impatient with underachieving players.  Keeping them around is perpetual rebuilding because coaches have to rebuild those players' confidence far too often.

 

The 2013 draft is rich with cornerbacks and we need more help there, especially with Sheldon Brown getting up there in years.

 

We don't have a second round pick in 2013 because we picked up Josh Gordon in the second round of the supplemental draft. If we picked up a second round pick in a trade, then I'd go linebacker (Jarvis or Te'o) with the first round pick and then CB in the second round. There's going to be good CB's left in the early second round.

Do you want to bet the future of the offense on Greg Little's unsure hands? 

 

I'd either draft a WR in the first round and be done with it, or go out and get a tight end who can be your #2 behind Gordon until your 2nd or 3rd round receiver develops into the second option.

 

The Browns have to be willing to be more impatient with underachieving players.  Keeping them around is perpetual rebuilding because coaches have to rebuild those players' confidence far too often.

 

The 2013 draft is rich with cornerbacks and we need more help there, especially with Sheldon Brown getting up there in years.

 

We don't have a second round pick in 2013 because we picked up Josh Gordon in the second round of the supplemental draft. If we picked up a second round pick in a trade, then I'd go linebacker (Jarvis or Te'o) with the first round pick and then CB in the second round. There's going to be good CB's left in the early second round.

 

You're right, I realized that Gordon eliminated the Browns' 2nd rounder as I was posting it but was too lazy to change it.  I think corners will be around that can start immediately no matter who picks in front of Cleveland.  CBs in general have to be some of the safest first round picks. 

 

A corner in the first round, and possibly another one in the 3rd if there wasn't a linebacker I was in love with that slid.  WR and a run-blocking guard in free agency, TE in the 4th rd or a lineman.  We'll see how much new ownership is willing to pay for quality players that produce a winning product.  Shoring up that secondary solves a lot of the defense's issues.

Who's been going to the games? How much Of the problem is the receivers not getting separation and/or getting knocked off their routes.It's hard to tell on TV how  much is Weeden being timid and how much is on the receiving corps?

Do you want to bet the future of the offense on Greg Little's unsure hands? 

 

I'd either draft a WR in the first round and be done with it, or go out and get a tight end who can be your #2 behind Gordon until your 2nd or 3rd round receiver develops into the second option.

 

The Browns have to be willing to be more impatient with underachieving players.  Keeping them around is perpetual rebuilding because coaches have to rebuild those players' confidence far too often.

 

Earlier in the season, I would have had the same take.  But Little has legitimately turned a corner.  He hasn't had a drop since getting his pep talk from Zo.  His YAC has gone up and he's been used effectively with the reverse.  But what could make him an ideal #2 is his blocking ability, both at the line of scrimmage and in the open field.  He still has a lot of room to grow.  He was a RB in HS and really only played WR full time one year at UNC.

 

There's a few unpolished, potential gems on this team -- Little, Gordon, Weeden (I feel like I just channeled Lou Brown: "There's three or four potential all-stars on this team...."). If Shurmur designed an offense around Weeden's strength, which is running the shotgun and/or a basic two-minute offense when the defensive personnel they like are on the field and can be locked in by the no-huddle, then I think we would have seen more progression from the guy. Especially if they shut off the earpiece in Weeden's helmet while he's in the no-huddle.....

Ha Ha, WFNY has an article speculating that Weeden called the long bomb to Benjamin himself because the headset wasn't working after it was knocked off on the previous play. I love Benjamin's speed for matchup plays like that TD, it's a no brainer.

 

http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2012/12/did-brandon-weeden-call-the-69-yard-td-pass-to-travis-benjamin-himself/#more-76296

So, the Browns hired a new President

 

Cleveland Browns name Alec Scheiner their new president

By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

 

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/12/alec_scheiner_has_agreed_to_be.html#incart_river_default

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Browns have hired Jerry Jones' right-hand man, Dallas Cowboys senior VP and general counsel Alec Scheiner, as their new president

 

 

So we're going to have a CEO, President and a GM? Add a hands on owner, and there's going to be quite a line for the executive washroom.

So, on this new ensemble cast, who knows football? Anyone? Football guys? Anyone? Bueller?

 

Very nervous about the future of this team.  And I'm one of those eternal Browns optimists.

Well, if they hire Lombardi, he's been an NFL sportscaster. They know everything, so we should be ok.

^^Dammit this a business, football is secondary

 

jerry jones right hand man??? hmmm. well if haslam ever wants to slug a player i guess he can handle that at least.

jerry jones right hand man??? hmmm. well if haslam ever wants to slug a player i guess he can handle that at least.

 

Hey.....there is nothing wrong with a little motivation!  In the future he should put a sack of oranges in a pillow case in the event he wants to punish someone. 

Whenever Thing 1 or Thing 2 gets out of hand, that how I put them back in check.  Nothing like the threat of soft tissue damage to motivate you!